God’s will is like the sun whose rays are like his will for each one of us. Each of us walks along a ray, distinct from the ray of the person next to us, but always along a ray of the sun. The closer the rays get to the sun, the closer they get to each other. For us too, the closer we come to God, by carrying out the divine will, more and more, the closer we draw to each other.
–Chiara Lubich (1920–2008)
Let us be satisfied simply with what sustains our present life, not with what pampers it. Let us pray to God for this, as we have been taught, so that we may keep our souls unenslaved and absolutely free from domination by any of the visible things loved for the sake of the body. Let us show that we eat for the sake of living, and not be guilty of living for the sake of eating. The first is a sign of intelligence, the second proof of its absence.
— Saint Maximos the Confessor (580-662)
The ultimate goal of fasting is to help each one of us to make a complete gift of self to God.
–Pope Benedict XVI (1927-
Stand patiently and pray steadfastly, brushing off the impacts of worldly cares and all thoughts; for they distract and worry you in order to disturb the impetus of your prayer.
— Saint Nilus of Sinai (d. 430)
Short and fleeting are the joys of this world’s pleasures which endeavors to turn aside from the path of life those who are called to eternity. The faithful and religious spirit, therefore, must desire the things which are heavenly, and being eager for the Divine promises, lift itself to the love of the incorruptible Good and the hope of the true Light.
— Saint Leo the Great (c. 400-461)
Prayer is more perfect when it is interior, when a soul prays in the spirit of God. These are deep words, I know, but God can make even stones like me speak when he wishes. Let the immense Good rest in your soul. God in you and you in God. A divine work. I do not know how to say it, but God feeds on your spirit and your spirit feeds on the Spirit of God. My food is Christ and I am his.
–Saint Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)
